Best Business Credit Card for Low Credit Score in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "1397", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Cash Back Seekers", "headerHint": "No Credit Check Required"} ]]

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Revvi Card

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3039", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "52", "bestForText": "Boosting Your Credit Score", "headerHint" : "CREDIT BUILDER" } ]]

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Low Credit Score

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Navigating the credit card market with a low credit score can feel daunting, but several cards are specifically designed to help you build or rebuild your credit profile.

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While options exist, it's crucial to watch out for common pitfalls like predatory offers that feature exorbitant annual fees and sky-high interest rates. Failing to read the fine print can lead you into a debt trap, ultimately harming your credit score instead of helping you rebuild it.

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Key Factors

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• Fees: Carefully review the card’s fee schedule, as subprime cards often carry high annual fees, processing fees, or monthly maintenance charges that can outweigh the benefits.
• Interest Rate (APR): While a high Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is common for these cards, it's still wise to compare offers, as this rate dictates how much you'll pay if you carry a balance.
• Credit Bureau Reporting: Confirm that the issuer reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—which is essential for building your credit history.
• Secured vs. Unsecured: Determine whether a secured card, which requires a refundable cash deposit that typically sets your credit limit, is a better starting point than a higher-cost unsecured card.
• Path to a Better Card: Look for issuers that offer a clear path to graduate to a traditional unsecured card or receive a credit limit increase after a period of responsible payments.

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What to Watch Out For

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Be particularly wary of 'fee-harvester' cards, which charge significant upfront or monthly fees that provide little value and can quickly eat into your credit limit. It's also crucial to sidestep any card that doesn't report to all three major credit bureaus, as this defeats the purpose of building credit. Finally, treat 'guaranteed approval' promises with skepticism, as they often mask unfavorable terms and hidden costs.

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Decision Flow

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Choosing the right card depends on your financial situation and goals. Here’s a simple flow to guide your decision:

• If your top priority is building credit at the lowest possible cost, then a secured credit card is your best move. These cards require a refundable security deposit that typically sets your credit limit. Because the lender’s risk is minimized, they often come with no annual fee and a lower APR. Focus on finding one that reports to all three credit bureaus and offers a clear path to graduate to an unsecured card.
• If you need a line of credit but can’t pay a security deposit, then an unsecured card designed for bad credit is the alternative. Proceed with caution, as these cards make up for the lack of a deposit with high annual, monthly, or processing fees. Your goal should be to find the card with the most transparent and manageable fee structure.
• If you are a loyal, frequent shopper at a particular store, then a retail store card could be an option. They are often easier to qualify for, but this accessibility comes with a major catch: extremely high interest rates. Only consider this path if you are disciplined enough to pay the balance in full every month, without exception.

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Maximize Your Return with Low Credit Score

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Even with a card designed for building credit, you can employ several strategies to get the most out of your rewards program:

• Stack your rewards: Use your card through online shopping portals or with browser extensions to earn rewards from both the card and the portal on a single purchase.
• Redeem for cash value: The best redemption value is typically a statement credit or direct deposit, as other options like merchandise or travel may offer less value.
• Target bonus categories: If your card offers higher rewards rates on specific categories like gas or dining, make sure to use it for those purchases to accelerate your earnings.
• Don't let interest eat your earnings: Always pay your statement balance in full each month, as the high interest rates common with subprime cards can quickly wipe out the value of any rewards you've earned.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Kudos is a free app that automatically selects your highest-earning credit card for every purchase, ensuring you never miss out on rewards or hidden card benefits. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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Beyond traditional unsecured and secured cards, a store-specific credit card might be a strategic choice, particularly if you frequently shop at a specific retailer and can leverage their loyalty benefits. Regardless of the card you choose, the key to improving your credit score is demonstrating responsible financial behavior. This means diligently paying your balance in full each month to avoid accumulating high-interest debt, a common pitfall with cards designed for lower credit scores. It's also vital to manage your overall financial picture, including any Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans, which are a form of credit that can impact your ability to handle payments. A disciplined approach to managing your credit, cash flow, and other debt obligations is the most effective path toward building a stronger financial future.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I get a business credit card with a bad personal credit score?

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Yes, it is possible to get a business credit card even with a low personal credit score. Lenders may also evaluate your business's financial health, such as its revenue and cash flow, when considering your application.

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How can I improve my chances of getting approved for a business credit card?

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To boost your approval odds, focus on building a strong business banking history and demonstrating consistent revenue. You might also consider applying for a secured business credit card, which requires a security deposit and is often easier to qualify for.

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Will applying for a business credit card affect my personal credit score?

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It often can, as most issuers check your personal credit when you apply, which results in a hard inquiry. Additionally, some business credit card issuers report account activity to the consumer credit bureaus, which can impact your personal credit score.

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